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3 Players on the Astros Opening Day Roster That Won't Finish the Season on It
The Houston Astros begin their 2023 season with high hopes. Coming off of a World Series title in 2022, and returning a fully loaded roster this season, anything less than a deep October run will be a failure.
Due to some injuries, a few players were able to crack the Opening Day roster that may not have made it otherwise. Others made it, but will likely be replaced by an upgrade either in the farm system or around the trade deadline.
Let's take a look at three players that were able to crack the Opening Day roster that won't be on the team for the postseason push.
Phil Maton won't finish the season with the Astros
This one feels bold, but I think there is a very real chance the Astros move on from Maton this season. He was acquired in 2021 for Myles Straw, but as time goes on, it becomes readily apparent that the really prize of that deal was Yainer Diaz.
Maton was bad in the 2021 regular season after coming to Houston, but emerged in the playoffs and looked like a building block for the bullpen of the future. He then struggled a bit in 2022, finishing with a -0.3 bWAR and a 3.84 ERA on a 1.25 WHIP.
After Maton punched his way off the playoff roster, he'll likely have a shorter leash. In a dominant bullpen, he's the one arm that doesn't feel quite as imposing. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Maton moved as part of a deadline deal where the Astros push more of their chips into the center of the table.
Mauricio Dubon will be designated for assignment this season
Mauricio Dubon is a fantastic defender that can fill a variety of roles well defensively. Mauricio Dubon is also one of the worst hitters in the game of baseball. And based on his Statcast profile, he's actually been outperformed his quality of contact.
There is a place for a guy like that in today's games. A team looking to make a playoff push for a final wild card spot could take a shot the way the Rays did with Jose Siri last year. A team trying to spend the least amount of money possible like the Reds or A's could sign a player like this.
The reigning world champs can't employ a player like this headed into October. They have a better hitter from the utility spot in David Hensley, one of the best defensive center fielders in baseball in Jake Meyers, and plenty of prospects to call up that would be a better option pinch-hitting down the stretch.
He also could be the recipient of a DFA if the Astros land a big bat at the deadline if injuries persist or either center field option struggles.
César Salazar will go back to the minors this season
César Salazar was the most surprising inclusion on the Opening Day roster, but the rationale made sense. Yainer Diaz had won the battle between Korey Lee and himself.
Rather than let Lee ride the pine and miss out on invaluable game reps, he will begin the season in AAA, continuing to improve. Dana Brown called Lee a big piece of the future. A few more months in the minors shouldn't derail that.
Brown himself said Salazar is a backup. He may give Maldy some off-days while Diaz continues to improve defensively. Whether Lee eventually is called up or Diaz has improved enough defensively, Salazar won't be on the roster once Brantley and Altuve have returned from injury.